If you are planning to move to the Dominican Republic, note there are different visa types depending on your situation, length of stay, and purpose. Requirements and fees change—check official sources when preparing your trip.
Tourist card
Costs USD 10. Valid for stays under 30 days (no right to work). Often included in airfare; otherwise sold at ports of entry and consulates. Stays beyond 30 days incur exit fees paid at departure.
Residence visa
Applied for in your country before arrival; once issued, you have 60 days to enter RD and apply at Immigration. Typically granted if you have ties to RD, a pension ≥ USD 1,500/month, rental income ≥ USD 2,000/month, investment ≥ USD 200,000, or a work contract.
Other visas
- Business visa (stays up to 60 days; extendable up to 1 year, multi-entry).
- Student visa (1 year, renewable).
- Work visa (1 year, renewable).
- Diplomatic and dependent visas.
Required documents (general)
- Valid passport.
- Passport photo (white background).
- Birth/marriage certificates (apostilled/translated as required).
- Medical certificate (in Spanish).
- Criminal record, apostilled and translated.
- Proof of income (bank letters, statements, leases, pension).
- ID copy.
- For minors: notarized parental authorizations.
- Cover letter in Spanish explaining purpose of visit.
- For work/student: employer or university letter. For residence: Dominican guarantor letter notarized.
Many applicants hire a Dominican immigration attorney to ease the process. Check official guidance at migracion.gob.do.